Ben Quinn Named Exceptional New Alumnus
During a graduate painting art critique, Ben Quinn '04 thoughtfully poses his questions, always encouraging fellow artists and lending suggestions for their growth in their chosen expression. His quiet manner and gentle approach to critiques belies his tall stature and physique of a martial arts instructor. His accomplishments have not gone unnoticed by his colleagues and professors. At the 2007 Homecoming Awards Banquet, Ben Quinn '04 will receive the Exceptional New Alumnus Award presented by his peers and professors. "Ben has been an important asset to Adams State College in regards to recruitment to the college, not only in the area of the fine arts but to the college in general," Joyce Centofanti, assistant professor of art, said. "Ben stimulates intellectual, artistic, and compassionate thinking among his students and peers." Quinn has taught first through twelfth grade art in the Norwood School District for the last three years. He is also an assistant high school football coach and drives a bus. "I put in long hours to make sure my wife can continue to be a stay-at-home mom," Quinn said. Long hours may become even longer days as autumn and the academic year approaches. In addition to his teaching, driving, coaching, and sponsoring duties, Quinn is starting his final semester for his master's in art at Adams State. "I try not to waste too much time thinking about what needs to get done," Quinn said. "I just do it." Priorities are necessary when minding a diversity of projects. Quinn said after family and God, his students and community are next on the list. He believes art is an outlet for students to "see the world from their point-of-view." He shares techniques in art making, and examples of his work and encourages them to express themselves. "I want students to see the world through art and philanthropy," he said. "I want them to see how they can be a positive part of change they want to see." Quinn said he attributes much of his success to Adams State and the Art Department. "There is a real sense of community and family here," Quinn said. "I really feel like Adams State is a great opportunity for a small-town person, like me. I feel truly blessed to have received my undergraduate and my master's degree from Adams State." "Ben is truly becoming an important mentor, supporting his student's hard work, with his non-stop dedication," Centofanti said. "As a mentor he continues to find every opportunity to help his students grow as a person. He teaches the importance of empowerment to his students with passion, enthusiasm, and never ending energy." Although he has such a busy schedule, he continues to find time to mentor his student, in and outside of the classroom. As his small school's El Pomar Youth in Community Service Advisor, Quinn and the students in EPYCS were honored this spring with the highest award in EPYCS, the Outstanding School of the State award. Under the advisement of Quinn, the Norwood EPYCS club boasts of 30 members, 37 percent of the student body. "When I started, we had about ten students," Quinn said. "We meet once a week and have fun. We figure out the best ways to support our community and nonprofits." Janell Cluff was the Norwood HS EPYCS Outstanding Student for the 2006-2007 academic year. She said she hopes to continue her work in philanthropy when she starts college in the fall 2008. "EPYCS is an excellent way for high school students to contribute to the future of non-profit organizations in Colorado," Cluff said. "We enjoy helping others and have a lot of fun doing it." Jim Hoffman, principal at Norwood High School, said: "Ben is a wonderful person and teacher. The students have learned a lot, and EPYCS has been great for the community. Ben is a perfect sponsor for the club." Quinn also initiated a high school art club and martial arts club. Through his diligence, his art students' work is posted at www.artsonia.com. This international site has student artwork from all over the world. Norwood Schools received the 2006-2007 Leadership Award, and is ranked number two in Colorado for overall participation. Centofanti said: "Ben is an important asset to Adams State. He often brings interested students to spend the day in some art class, to experience a Raku firing, participating in critiques and to see the campus. When he is on campus working on his graduate thesis he always finds the time to work with my art education and ceramic students." "The professors and staff at Adams State were always so accessible when I was an undergraduate," Quinn said. "That has not changed now that I am in the master's program." Quinn has taught dual-credit college credit to eligible high schools through the Mesa State College Early Scholars Program. He has been an art show superintendent for San Miguel County, and is a member of the Colorado Art Educators Association, Colorado High School Coaches Association, and Colorado Education Association. "Ben has significant and diverse experiences in teaching gifted education, multicultural education, technology, and visual arts education," Centofanti said. "He differentiates instructions to meet the needs of diverse students and invests the time and effort in making sure that students are provided with authentic experiences providing opportunities for learning outside of the classroom." Among Quinn's accomplishments include being named Who's Who Among America's Teachers for 2007. His work as the EPYCS advisor has brought recognition from El Pomar Foundation for the last three years. "We have organized service learning projects in the community," Quinn said. "We work hard and I am proud of these students." Quinn and his wife, Rochelle (Widhalm), have a two-year-old son, Ethan. "I have had to spend a lot of time in Alamosa during the summer working on my master's," Quinn said. "I appreciate my in-laws, Mickey and Patty Widhalm," Quinn said. "They are always willing to put us up for as long as I need to be in town. It helps me concentrate on my artwork without missing my family. I could not do it otherwise."